For When “Just Do It” Doesn’t Work

“Just Do It” is a great slogan when it comes to Nike shoes and things like: “Get off the couch and move!” “Floss your teeth!” “Eat your vegetables!” Or: “Sit down and write!”

But there are times when “Just Do It” doesn’t work and when trying harder only leaves me feeling depleted and frustrated. Motivation, determination, and willpower have little power to change my heart. My ego cannot transform my soul. When it comes to matters of the heart, “Just Do It” doesn’t work, and what I really need is to Just Be.

I grew up with a Christianity that offered a Just Do It approach to faith.
Love. Believe. Forgive. Trust. Heal. Just do it.
Are you having a hard time with that?
Pray harder.
Maybe try memorizing scripture.
Are you having your devotions every morning? Just do it.

Sometimes change happened in the middle of this doing and I found myself closer to God’s heart. God’s grace and love always meet us where we are at.

“Just Do It” worked to a certain extent until it just didn’t work at all. Like when the words stuck in my throat and prayer seemed pointless. Or when I was so worn and over-committed I didn’t have it in me to love one more person. “Just Do It” was most unhelpful when the Questions scared away the Answers I thought I needed for any sort of real faith. “Just Do It” helped me fake it, but it couldn’t wake up my dying soul.

I am so happy to be sharing at SheLoves. It’s one of my favorite places on the internet. I hope that you will read about my fall into contemplation over there and then take some time to explore some of the other lovely words in that place.